Bid leaders in row with American Olympic legend

London's 2012 bid leaders were today caught up in a row with Olympic legend Bob Beamon after they used images of him to promote their campaign without his permission.

Beamon's world record breaking leap of

8.90metres was chosen by London to illustrate the Mexico City Games in 1968 in a glossy brochure showcasing London's bid around the world. But the American is on the board of rival New York's bid and has written to London bid chairman Lord Coe to accuse him of a lack of respect in printing it without his blessing.

Beamon said: "This is not just a discourtesy but a fundamental breach of an Olympian's right to determine how his or her name and image is used for promotional purposes."

Despite his anger, London says it has no plans to recall the brochure. A spokesman said: "The use of the photograph was in no way meant to imply support for the London bid but rather to celebrate great Olympic moments across the globe."

Meanwhile, London is set to receive a huge psychological lift next week when a key report by Olympic inspectors puts the capital neckand-neck with favourites Paris.

Standard Sport understands that the IOC's evaluation commission have found little to separate London and Paris following their visits earlier this year.